Exam Strategist Most Common Flashcards
Prosaic
Adj.
Dull, commonplace, unimaginative
Root - prose - (ordinary or commonplace writing)
Quotidian
Adj.
Daily, usual, or customary occurrence of something
Same cluster as prosaic. Pick quotidian if something is happening on a daily basis
Restive
Adj.
Restless or uneasy. Stubborn and refusing to move forward.
Opposite of restful and rest.
Pernicious
Adj.
Causing a subtle or gradual type of harm
Diffident
Adj.
A type of personality, referring to a lack of confidence or self-worth. Overly restrained and perhaps reluctant or even timid
Modest, shy
Enervate
Verb
Sap energy from, weaken.
Antonym to invigorate (give strength or energy to)
Ambivalence
Noun
Uncertainty or having mixed feelings, often due to an inability to decide or by a desire to do conflicting things.
Usually mistaken for indifference (implies you have no particular feelings about something). Ambivalence means you feel pulled in two directions about something and can’t decide.
Agog
Adj.
To be very excited about something with great eagerness, curiosity, or anticipation.
Artless
Adj.
Free from deceit and without guile (sly, cunning).
Without effort or pretentiousness; natural and simple
Purely positive meaning, often gets negative connotation.
Gossamer
Adj
Used to refer to something very light, thin, or delicate.
Harangue
Noun
A long and aggressive or vehement (forceful, passionate, intense) speech; tirade (a long angry speech of criticism or accusation) or rant.
Insipid
Adj.
Lacking interest or vigor (energy).
Boring, vapid, or dull.
Sometimes mistaken with insidious (working in a gradual, subtle way, but with harmful effects).
Maudlin
Adj.
Tearfully or weakly emotional
Nonplussed
Adj.
Utterly perplexed or puzzled completely.
Urbane
Adj.
A person who is courteous and refined in manner
Ersatz
Adj.
Typically refers to a substitute product, most of inferior quality. (Knock off)